Chris-Craft Cherokee 32 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Cherokee 32 was a departure from the heavy-displacement, full-keel cruisers common in the mid-1960s. By employing a fin keel and a spade rudder—a configuration popularized by the Sparkman & Stephens design for the Shields one-design—the Cherokee 32 offered significantly reduced wetted surface area. This resulted in a boat that was notably faster and more agile than its contemporaries. With a Displacement/Length ratio typically hovering in the moderate range and a high-aspect-ratio masthead sloop rig, the vessel excels in light-to-moderate air.

On the water, the Cherokee 32 is known for its "dinghy-like" responsiveness compared to older wooden yachts. However, because of its relatively light displacement (approximately 8,500 lbs) and narrow 9-foot beam, the boat can be somewhat tender. It reaches its optimal heel quickly, requiring early reefing as the breeze climbs above 15 knots to maintain a balanced helm. Owners often note that while it lacks the "freight train" tracking of a full-keel boat, its ability to point close to the wind and its quick acceleration out of tacks make it a perennial favorite for club racing and coastal hops.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Cherokee 32 reflects the transition from traditional woodcraft to modern fiberglass production. While the hull is a solid laminate, the interior is heavily accented with mahogany trim, staying true to the Chris-Craft heritage. The layout is a classic "five-berth" configuration: a forward V-berth, a port-side settee that converts to a berth, a starboard dinette (in some versions) or settee, and a starboard-side quarter berth nestled under the cockpit.

The cabin offers roughly 6'1" of headroom in the main saloon, which was generous for a 32-foot boat in 1967. The galley is typically split across the companionway, with a sink and icebox to one side and a stove to the other. While Chris-Craft did not produce a specific "aft-cabin" variant of the Cherokee, they did offer the Apache 37 and Comanche 42 on separate hulls for sailors requiring more volume. The Cherokee’s cabin is intimate, emphasizing functionality for a racing crew or a small family rather than long-term live-aboard luxury.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Cherokee 32 should prioritize an inspection of the structural "bones," as these vessels are now entering their sixth decade.

1. Deck Delamination: Like many boats of this era, Chris-Craft used a balsa-core material for the decks. Moisture ingress around the stanchion bases, chainplates, and the mast step can lead to significant core rot. A percussion test with a phenolic hammer is essential to identify soft spots.
2. Rudder and Keel Bolts: The transition to the spade rudder design was still relatively new in the late 60s. Buyers should inspect the rudder post and bearings for excessive play. Additionally, while the keel is internally ballasted in many models, the integrity of the fiberglass "stub" and the condition of any secondary keel bolts should be verified by a surveyor.
3. Atomic 4 Engines: Many Cherokees were originally equipped with the Universal Atomic 4 gasoline engine. While reliable if maintained, many have reached the end of their service life or have been poorly converted to diesel. Pay close attention to the exhaust manifold and fuel system integrity.
4. Chainplate Leakage: The stainless steel chainplates pass through the deck to the bulkheads. If the caulking has failed over the years, the mahogany-faced plywood bulkheads may have suffered rot, compromising the rig's structural stability.

Community & Resources

Support for the Cherokee 32 is primarily found through the Chris-Craft Antique Boat Club, which serves as the central archive for the builder's history, including its fiberglass sailing era. Because the boat is a Sparkman & Stephens design, technical drawings and historical design data are often preserved in the S&S archives. The shared DNA with the Apache and Comanche models means that owners often cross-reference technical solutions within the broader S&S Chris-Craft community.

The Verdict

The Chris-Craft Cherokee 32 is a "gentleman’s racer" that offers a bridge between the golden age of yacht design and the modern fiberglass era. It remains a stylish, quick, and rewarding boat for the sailor who values pedigree and performance over sheer interior volume.

Pros:

• Classic Sparkman & Stephens aesthetics with a recognizable "shear" line.
• Excellent upwind performance and agility in light air.
• Strong secondary market support via the Chris-Craft Antique Boat Club.
• High-quality mahogany interior joinery that far exceeds modern mass-produced standards.

Cons:

• Can be tender in heavy weather, requiring active sail management.
• Balsa-cored decks are prone to expensive moisture issues if neglected.
• Narrow beam results in a smaller interior compared to modern 32-footers.